Assalaamu alaykum. When two scholars differ regarding any issue, I follow the one who is more knowledgeable and more pious, because I have not gained the ability to research on my own. ( I am, however, studying for the diploma on Islamic Studies at IOU) So what should I do when one or two jurists differ with another group of jurists who form a committee of scholars and research on the issue and give a fatwa when they all agree on the issue? Should I still go with the more knowledgeable or should I choose the scholars who gave fatwa after consulting one another?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is not an obligation to follow the opinion of a group of scholars who form a committee of jurists if other scholars disagreed with them. Rather, it is enough for a layman to imitate a scholar whom he trusts, regardless of whether he follows that group of jurists or he imitates a scholar or other scholars about the matter in dispute. Please, refer to fatwa 202966.

Nonetheless, since the matter in question has been discussed by a group of scholars, then this is an indication that their view is closer to the truth. Also, if a person follows that view because it is the view of the majority, then this is good.

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said, “The view of the majority of the scholars is significant; the view of the majority of the scholars is closer to the truth than the view of one scholar.”

Allaah knows best.